DNA breakthrough might crack illegal drugs fight

The collection and analysis of DNA are considered among the greatest breakthroughs in forensic science.

Now scientists in South Australia have pioneered two techniques that might further enhance its use in tackling crime.

Molecular biologists at Flinders University have been able to identify DNA in illicit drugs, so potentially might be able to link the drugs with those who create and distribute them.

While prescription drugs are manufactured under sterile conditions to avoid impurities, illegal drugs are not so often contain DNA traces.

Emeritus Professor Leigh Burgoyne, who led the research, was able to identify in drug samples traces of dirt, animal fur, pollen, fungus, viruses and human DNA, possibly from hair or skin.

If matching DNA can be found in various drug seizures it might be possible to link them back to a single source.

"You make the assumption that one guy is dirtying up his drugs almost the same way, so you look for drugs with the same patterns of dirt in them and human tissue," Professor Burgoyne explained.

You look for drugs with the same patterns of dirt in them and human tissue

Prof Leigh Burgoyne

The research was initiated by former chief scientist of the Australian Federal Police, Paul Kirkbride, who is now Professor of Forensic Science at Flinders University.

"No one knew whether illicit drugs contained DNA or were devoid of DNA," he said.

"The real breakthrough was firstly to find if there was DNA and then develop a sequencing process to get that information to identify where the drug might come from and whether seizures are linked to each other."

The DNA research is not the only area in which the university has achieved a breakthrough.

A technique for gathering DNA from disaster sites such as aircraft crashes or bushfires has been developed.

Instead of taking tissue samples and returning them to a laboratory, Professor Burgoyne has shown a simpler and quicker way is to use hot steel wire to collect DNA in the field.

Although both techniques are only at the proof of concept stage, they have been recognised in the National Institute of Forensic Science's annual awards.